GPL License

""GPL" stands for "General Public License". The most widespread such license is the GNU General Public License[1]:, or GNU GPL for short. This can be further shortened to "GPL", when it is understood that the GNU GPL is the one intended."[2]

About Joomla! and the GPL

The Joomla Project is a GPL community, which means not just that a particular Free and Open Source license is used for Joomla software, but also that we believe in the mission and values behind that license. These include collaboration, community, and freedom. The GPL license embodies these values.

What GPL version is Joomla! licensed under? Joomla! is licensed under GPL version 2 or later.

The Joomla Extensions Directory and the GPL

The Joomla Extensions Directory (JED) is important for many reasons: it makes it easier for users to find extensions, and it helps support the development of a vibrant and healthy commercial and non-commercial development community around Joomla. However, it may also be unintentionally undermining our support of the GPL by including extensions and other applications that run counter to it. JED its oriented by overall mission of the Joomla Project. The Joomla! Project has determined that the Joomla! Extensions Directory (JED) should be a community resource that fully embodies the project's values, especially freedom as embodied by the GPL license.

Since March 31 2009 the Joomla! Extensions Directory (JED) no longer accept non GPL and since July 1 2009 only GPL extensions are allowed to be listed here [3].

These changes were designed to strengthen the project's commitment to its core mission, vision and values as articulated in September 2008[4].

Extensions pack - general requirements

JED needs to be able to monitor files and make it easier for users to understand the terms under which they purchase/download extensions. This is why, to be listed at JED, you need to comply with additional terms that will improve directory maintenance and trust form directory users.

Quick Q&A

Who will you intend to support developers The Joomla team is strongly committed to supporting both commercial and non-commercial Joomla developers. We have implemented some policy changes to enhance our support for developers. Therefore we will not link to collections of GPL extensions that are not submitted by the original developer.

Does this mean there will be no more commercial extensions in the JED? No! Commercial extensions with the GNU GPL license and that are not encrypted are welcomed and encouraged in the JED.

Who will be able to submit extensions? Only the original developer! We think that the best place to get an extension is from the original developer of that extension.

What if I think my extension doesn't violate the Joomla! license? This is a policy in favor of software freedom and the mission, vision and values of the Joomla! Project, not one about technical issues in licensing.

Can I use a GPL compatible license? No! The JED will only list extensions licensed using the GNU GPL. The only license that truly embodies the spirit of the GPL is the GPL